Clutch Abutment Ring for Axial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch release bearings face challenges in ensuring correct axial positioning of the magnet relative to the position sensor while minimizing size, often requiring external guide rods that increase the overall size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A clutch release bearing design featuring a ring with rotational coupling members that snap-fit onto the body, allowing for rotational alignment of the piston and body while enabling axial sliding, coupled with sealing O-rings for fluid supply and distribution, and a magnet target for position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If external guide rods are used to couple the piston and body in rotation, then the correct angular positioning of the target relative to the sensor is guaranteed, but the overall size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotational coupling function and axial guidance function into a single integrated ring structure. The ring is rotatably coupled to both the piston and the body, eliminating the need for separate external guide rods. This consolidation reduces structural complexity while maintaining the correct angular positioning of the target relative to the sensor through the ring's rotational degrees of freedom.
2Manufacturing precision
If external guide rods are used to couple the piston and body in rotation, then the correct angular positioning of the target relative to the sensor is guaranteed, but the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure is nested within the existing clutch release bearing assembly, fitting inside the body and accommodating the piston's movement. This nested configuration allows the rotational coupling mechanism to be housed within the existing spatial envelope, avoiding the need for external guide rods that would increase the overall size of the assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If a ring with snap-fastening means is used to couple the piston and body, then assembly is simplified and size is reduced, but the rotational coupling mechanism must be more integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure is designed as a separate, modular component with distinct functional features: snap-fastening means for easy attachment to the body, rotational coupling interfaces for both the piston and body, and axial guidance surfaces. This segmentation allows the ring to be manufactured independently and assembled in a simple snap-fit operation, reducing assembly complexity despite the integrated functional requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design ensures precise angular positioning of the target relative to the sensor, reduces size, and simplifies assembly while maintaining effective fluidic connection and actuation of the clutch mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
sealing means located on either side of said groove... The O-rings thus extend in an annular manner on each side of the supply groove, in order to prevent the fluid contained in said supply groove from escaping
Implementation Method 2
a target whose position along the axis of the body is able to be detected by a position sensor... The target is for example a magnet located in a housing of the piston
Implementation Method 3
an actuator comprising a tubular moving part, also called a piston, engaged in a pressure chamber annular body... movable in translation parallel to the axis of the body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a clutch stop (1), particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a body (2) delimiting an annular pressure chamber (22), an annular piston (18) mounted to slide in said chamber (22), said piston (18) being intended to actuate a diaphragm during its sliding relative to the body (2), the piston (18) being equipped with a target (28) whose position along the axis (X) of the body (2) is capable of being detected by a position sensor (30), and means for rotationally coupling (34) the piston (18) and the body (2), characterized in that said rotationally coupling means comprise a ring (34) including at least a first rotationally coupling member (36) cooperating with a complementary member (37) of the piston (18) and at least a second rotationally coupling member (38) cooperating with a complementary member of the body (2).